Functioning of natural and natural-engineering systems formation conditions and natural state of the hydrothermal system in the Valley of Geysers (Kronotsky Nature Reserve, Kamchatka)

Abstract

The formation of the hydrothermal system in the Valley of Geysers is shown to be governed by a structure of radial and circular faults of above-intrusion zone of a partially melted magmatic body with an epicenter near the Upper-Geyser Field, while the hydrothermal system is shown to receive its water from elevations of +500 to +900 m abs (according to isotopic data). The catastrophic landslide of June 3, 2007, was just a stage in the general scenario of the gradual hydrothermal transformation of the inclined Geyser unit (Q34grn), building up the roof of the hydrothermal reservoir, with a gradual decline of slide resistance. The slide was triggered by the increased pressure in the hydrothermal and magmatic systems and the saturation of the Geyser unit by moisture during spring flood. According to the data of continuous regime thermohydrodynamic observations carried out in the Valley of Geysers with the use of HOBO-loggers of temperature and pressure since July 2007 to April 2010, the mean time between eruptions of Velikan geyser was 348 minutes. The intensification of precipitation input directly into the geyser pool causes a short-time increase in the time between eruptions (up to the maximum of 32 h). According to observations at the “Plotina” gage, the total estimated mean annual discharge of thermal springs (by chlorine ion) in the Valley of Geysers is 263 kg/s; the discharge of thermal springs is governed by the level of Poldprudnoe Lake and its seasonal variations exceed 40%.